Although famous for its ski resort and miles of rolling single-track mountain biking trails, Crested Butte is also the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. And the best way to enjoy the colorful columbine, lupine, clover, paintbrush and alpine forget-me-nots is on foot. The former mining town is the jumping-off point for a multitude of hikes through the wildflower-strewn alpine meadows of the East River Valley. Three nearby Wilderness Areas—the Raggeds, West Elk, and the Maroon Bells/Snowmass—are easily accessible up the five valleys that meander from town.

This book will take hikers from the wide, open Oh Be Joyful valley to the dramatic peaks of Washington Gulch to the brilliant autumn aspen stands of Kebler Pass. Hikers can use this book to help them explore the rugged Ruby Range, the Dark Canyon of Anthracite Creek, 10,722-foot Schofield Pass and, of course, the heart of Crested Butte's dazzling wildflower display, Gothic Valley.

Mostly less than six or seven miles round trip, the majority of the hikes can be completed in a few hours. They have been chosen for their dramatic viewpoints and photo opportunities and showcase the diverse natural features and splendor of the area. These hikes offer rewards of big views along much of the hike without an all-day effort.